The atmosphere was buoyant as the lads met on the Royal Oak car park on Sunday morning. The previous week had been outstanding. First off the 9-1 demolition of fancied Ship Inn, followed by headline news for 'Handy' Andy Johnson in Tuesday's Leader and the publishing in the same paper of the League tables showing the Blue and Whites 3 points clear at the top of 'the D'. The problem that tactical guru Brazier had was to keep spirits up, without letting complacency set in.  

With Kevin Thomas back in the squad, but with Rob Reay (work) and Neil Howell (hamstring) missing, the Bootle maestro had one or two selection problems to contend with. Paul Brighton replaced Reay, and Hollinger continued to partner Johnson up front as James Green had recovered from last weeks knock. Alun Griffith deservedly retained his place in the starting line up, at the expense of last weeks absentee Thomas, who had brought his coat as advised.

Changing in Frodsham High School, and walking the quarter of a mile or so to the pitch was a novelty, but the main surprise was yet to come. The pitch was like something out of the foothills of the Andes. Surrounded by trees, and with a slope across the pitch that would have made Cliff Bonnington think twice, it made the Imps look like the 17th at Wentworth. When one ball went down the slope, ISA physio Mickey Gorst complained that he saw "bloody Rambo stitching his arm up" in the woods. That is how rural it was! 

With the home side a youthful, decent hardworking bunch, and the leaders slightly complacent, and definitely adjusting to the altitude (on the right wing anyway!), the start was slow. Then it happened. The excellent Alun Griffith picking the ball up on the halfway line, and delivering the perfect pass five yards ahead of Andrew Johnson. Johnson then strode into the box, before rounding the keeper for one nil to the visitors. Things then went a bit nasty. Reacting to a nasty elbow to the ribs, Scott Ditchfield kicked out at the Red Lion number 8. Right in front of the ref. Expecting the worst, the ISA committee were relieved to see the ref let them both off with a stern bollocking. Ditchfield saw sense, and refused to bite as the eight continued to dish it out.

Ten shaky minutes later and the Blues double their lead. The quick feet of Andy Johnson are whipped from under him by two Red Lion defenders. Tommy Hollinger, who had earlier fired over an open goal, slotted the resultant penalty away for two nil. The home side then applied more pressure, from which the full back smashed a cracker in off the under side of the bar, following a corner, for two one. Normal service was resumed when Johnson was sent clear by Griffiths again, and finished with aplomb. Three one at half time.

Brazier issued a few stern words at half time, reminding the lads that they had not yet won the game, and that the next goal is all important. It is at times like these that a little inspiration is needed, and after soaking up an attack or two, the visitors won a free kick. The ball dropped inside the box and Johnson, who had Ditchfield perched waiting for the pass, smacked the ball home sublimely for the goal of the game from ten yards. Four One. The visitors then applied the pressure. Mark Howell came on for Tommy Hollinger with 35 minutes left, and it was his touch that sent Johnson clear for his fourth for five one. Brazier then took Brighton off, and brought Kevin Thomas on in the left midfield role, as Graeme Reynolds covered at left back.

Pinball in the home sides goal mouth was then on the cards as Johnson squared to Howell, whose effort was knocked off the line but fell to Griff, whose effort was bound for the roof of the net until the keeper touched it onto the bar and away. The home side then won a free kick on their own halfway line. The centre half played what looked like a meaningless punt into the area, which Green called for. Former ISA lad Alan something or other jumped for the ball, and got twatted by Green. The Red Lion forward slotted the penalty for five two.

The lead was restored moments later when Kev Thomas ran on to a Howell flick to square the ball to Johnson who does not miss from three yards (unlike Hollinger!). Six two. The flickering flame between Ditchfield and the Red Lion number 8 then reared it's ugly head again, as the eight reacted angrily to a Ditchfield tackle. His kick on Ditchfield earned him an early bath. It was a difficult decision to make, but having been warned earlier on the player gave the referee no real choice. This left the home side in total disarray, and a quickly taken Howell long throw in left Johnson in acres of space to fire in his sixth just before the final whistle. Seven two. A good days work.

Twelve months previously (end of September 2000), the ISA had came away from Frodsham after getting stuffed 8-2 by the Bulls Head, in what was agreed to be the worst performance the Club has ever posted. Nine of the squad that day played in this win. The improvement that has been shown is incredible. After Andy Johnson (MOM naturally), special mentions must go to Jon Hocking and Alun Griffith who were both outstanding. As were Paul Brazier and Scott Ditchfield in the middle. It is OK having Johnson's pace and ability, but he cannot score without the ball. Fact.

This win, knowing how it felt last year to get tossed so far away from home, allowed the Guinness drunk at the (by now traditional after a Frodsham away) stop off in the Helsby Arms to taste that extra bit cold and sweet. The Blue express keeps rolling on...